New Delhi, Apr 10 (TNT): The Election Commission of India on Friday briefed Central Observers in view of the ongoing General Election to the Legislative Assembly of Tamil Nadu, where polling is scheduled to be held on April 23.
Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, along with Election Commissioners S S Sandhu and Vivek Joshi, held a review meeting with the Central Observers deployed across the state through videoconferencing.
A total of 326 Central Observers, including General, Police and Expenditure Observers, along with the Chief Electoral Officer of Tamil Nadu, attended the briefing.
According to the Commission, 136 General Observers, 40 Police Observers and 150 Expenditure Observers have been deployed for the elections covering all 234 Assembly constituencies in the state.
The Commission directed the observers to ensure that elections are conducted in a festive atmosphere and remain free, fair and devoid of inducement, intimidation or violence.
It also stressed strict enforcement of the Model Code of Conduct and prompt action in case of complaints regarding violations.
Observers were asked to publicise their contact details and hearing schedules for receiving complaints from the public, political parties and candidates.
The Commission further instructed them to oversee proper training of presiding officers, timely updating of voter turnout data, correct application of indelible ink, accurate filling of Form 17-C and sharing of poll records with polling agents.
They were also directed to ensure availability of assured minimum facilities at polling stations, including mobile phone deposit counters, benches in voter queues, drinking water and shade arrangements in view of the prevailing hot weather.
The Commission said webcasting monitoring control rooms should be checked thoroughly and trial runs conducted to ensure staff are adequately trained to identify and flag any issues.
TNT KS
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